Cycling to office everyday

[Manjunath]

Hi guys,

Lately I have been thinking of commuting to office by my MTB (Scott). However, the distance shall be 25 kms one way, as I stay in Yelahanka and office is in EGL campus near Domlur.

Hence, I am still skeptical because of the distance.

Anybody who is already doing similar sort of distance? Any feedback shall be motivational for me. Thanks

Regards,
Manjunath

[Karthikeyan B]

hi manjunath,
good thought!

am sure. few of them are there.
my suggestion - try twice in a week by bi-cycle considering the distance first and then decide to increase or decrease the numbers.

all the best!

Karthik

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[suman paul]

Pradeep does 52 bothways


thank you & regards

suman

+91 9886300685

[Gopikrishna Murugaian]

Hey nice to hear that!!!!

I commute everyday the same distance in Hosur road. The testing part will be the traffic, you may not be getting a freeway to cycle.

U can start cycling on alternative days i.e. Cycle to office on Monday - Return by bus - Go to office by bus on Tuesday - Return by cycle. Then you can gradually start commuting regularly, once you are acclimatised to the distance and the traffic.

--

Thanks & Regards,

GOPIKRISHNA.M

[ravindra]

Manjunath,

I was doing it from bsk to ecity...25kms one way....

You can do it... Thinking of starting it again from 3rd Feb... As my work timings changed...

Be well,
Ravindra

[Karthick Gururaj]

Hi Manjunath,

I stay near Yelahanka and used to commute to 100 ft road, Indiranagar
(that was 22km one-way). My office shifted to MG Road and now it is
about 16km for me. I used to be a regular commuter, and again now I am
a regular commuter :)

As others have noted, the biggest pain is traffic, not the distance. I
leave early, about 7:40am from my home. Return time varies, could be
as early as 5:30-6:00pm, or as late as 8:30pm. Traffic is a pain (did
I say that already?).

If you can,
a. Keep your belongings in office, travel light.
b. Try starting early to office and early back home (make a difference
if you can start by 4:45-5:00pm).

I also stick to the following, your preferences can vary:
a. Use a hiviz reflective jacket during my evening commute. This would
specially apply to you if you plan to use the ring-road.
b. Use a mask. Particularly on the commute back home.
c. (Of course) carry puncture kit/pump/helmet/lights/water etc.
d. Use a bell. Honestly, no one cares. But it can help release some
frustration, to go ringing behind that two-wheeler that cut you.
Traffic is a PITA, as I have probably told earlier.

You can start cycling on alternate days, if you want to try it that way.

Good luck!

- Karthick

On Tue, Jan 28, 2014 at 6:48 PM, Manjunath <manj...@gmail.com> wrote:

[murali m]

Hi Manjunath,

Even I was skeptical in the beginning on riding to work which is 20 KM one way Peenya to Indiranagar trough Kurubarahalli.

I had planned start cycling in the morning near house for about half an hourly daily (Last time I had pedaled was 10 years back) and once I build the stamina to ride 20 KM will start commuting to work.

However the bike I had bought had to be brought from Electronic City, as all of my savings had gone on the bike I had no money for transportation, had pedaled from Electronic City to Indiranagar on by first day of cycling.

Since then I am cycling every day to from Peenya and Indiranagar from last 29 Days.

Have faced and still facing  lots of obstacles like Traffic, careless motorists, potholes, flat tyres, dogs but still enjoying every ride.

Just start cycling of course with security measures and you will be able to make it, you may be slower in the beginning but as days pass you improve on efficiency.

You will faster than BMTC, 10% slower than Bike, have not compared with Cars.

 

Happy Cycling.

[anil s kadsur]

+1

"The testing part will be the traffic"

I would like to replace word 'testing' by 'Motivating'

very truly,
anil s kadsur
http://kadsur.blogspot.in/

---

From: Gopikrishna Murugaian <gopikrishn...@gmail.com>

Sender: bangalor...@googlegroups.com

Date: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 19:01:23 +0530

To: Karthikeyan B<karthi...@gmail.com>

Cc: Manjunath<manj...@gmail.com>; Bangalore Bikers Club<bangalor...@googlegroups.com>

Subject: Re: [BBC] Cycling to office everyday

[Rahul Raj Dusa]

More traffic... mOre fun :)

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+91 9964234511

http://themeandthemine.wordpress.com/

[anil s kadsur]

Absolutely....traffic is my biggest motivation.

I have been commuting on bicycle for 3+ years every single day whenever I step out of my house (expect for few days when I fractured my hand). I average about 25 kms minimum and couple of times it was 80+ kms as I need to visit clients.

very truly,
anil s kadsur
http://kadsur.blogspot.in/

---

From: "anil s kadsur" <anilk...@gmail.com>

Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 01:40:25 +0000

To: Gopikrishna Murugaian<gopikrishn...@gmail.com>; BBC<bangalor...@googlegroups.com>; Karthikeyan B<karthi...@gmail.com>

ReplyTo: anilk...@gmail.com

Cc: Manjunath<manj...@gmail.com>

Subject: Re: [BBC] Cycling to office everyday

+1

"The testing part will be the traffic"

I would like to replace word 'testing' by 'Motivating'

very truly,
anil s kadsur
http://kadsur.blogspot.in/

---

From: Gopikrishna Murugaian <gopikrishn...@gmail.com>

Sender: bangalor...@googlegroups.com

Date: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 19:01:23 +0530

To: Karthikeyan B<karthi...@gmail.com>

Cc: Manjunath<manj...@gmail.com>; Bangalore Bikers Club<bangalor...@googlegroups.com>

Subject: Re: [BBC] Cycling to office everyday

[Manjunath]

Hi All,

 

Thank you for the inputs/details which is motivating and has helped me tremendously.

I am going to keep all the points in mind and start up 2 days a week from next week.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Thanks and regards,

Manjunath

On Wednesday, January 29, 2014 7:26:34 AM UTC+5:30, anil s kadsur wrote:

Absolutely....traffic is my biggest motivation.

I have been commuting on bicycle for 3+ years every single day whenever I step out of my house (expect for few days when I fractured my hand). I average about 25 kms minimum and couple of times it was 80+ kms as I need to visit clients.

very truly,
anil s kadsur
http://kadsur.blogspot.in/

---

From: "anil s kadsur" <anilk...@gmail.com>

Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 01:40:25 +0000

To: Gopikrishna Murugaian<gopikrishnamurugaian@gmail.com>; BBC<bangalor...@googlegroups.com>; Karthikeyan B<karthi...@gmail.com>

[Amar]

Start with 10KM in nearby areas over weekend and then increase to 20KM

Ride to office and return by bus then you can move up to daily commute.

I cycle 10KM one way daily from EMC-EGL

All the best

-Amar

[santosh kumar]

I'm a little curious, does anyone in this forum carry their laptop with them on the bicycle? :)

Cheers
Santosh

--

[Rahul Raj Dusa]

3-4 times a week ... about 2 weeks a month :)

----------------------------------------------------------

Rahul Raju Dusa

+91 9964234511

http://themeandthemine.wordpress.com/

[Joe George]

I do. Used to carry it in a shoulder bag but now prefer to use the luggage rack. One big casualty would be the hard disk. Make sure you have a valid support and an extended warranty you will have premature failure.

Cheers,
Joe

[Darshan Bildikar]

Carried it for a year in a bag on my back, 5 days a week. I bought one of those bags that let's your back breathe (some kind of net) from Decathlon.  Roadbike + 48 KM roundtrip. No back issues at all. Nothing happened to the laptop.

Go for it.

[yagnesh ahir]

Used to carry tiffin + laptop + charger + change of clothes + raincoat(sometimes) in a laptop bag :P 

Riding for more than 2 years. 

iLLA Problem !!

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[vivek]

Same here. Been carrying my laptop (15") to my office for about 3 years now. My laptop along with lunch box, change of clothes comes to around 6-8 kgs I think.

The only problem of my back sweating has now become a habit I got adapted to.

Regards,

Vivek

[murali m]

Same here, laptop + charger + lunch box + cloths, have got used to sweat!!

[santosh kumar]

Wow! That's a lot of motivation!

On 7 Feb 2014 23:01, "murali m" <mural...@gmail.com> wrote:

Same here, laptop + charger + lunch box + cloths, have got used  to sweat!!

[Manjunath]

Biggest time consuming activity is taking a shower in the office and getting dressed before hitting the desk.

 

As the disctance is about 25Kms and will be sweating like a dog,

 

How are you guys doing it?

 

Regards,

Manjunath V

[Rahul Raj Dusa]

Well I just have to ride say some 3 km one way :D

yes summers ... I sweat.. but manageable...!

----------------------------------------------------------

Rahul Raju Dusa

+91 9964234511

http://themeandthemine.wordpress.com/

[Aravind M S]

My round about commute is 30KM. I carry a face wash and deo in my bag. After reaching, i wash only the upper body, kind of a towel bath and change the clothes. It does not take more than 5-10 mins.

On Tue, Feb 11, 2014 at 5:22 PM, Manjunath <manj...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Darshan Bildikar]

You either spend time at home taking a shower or at office. I don't see it as time wasted. 

[Apurv Manjrekar]

Just wondering, how much time a shower really takes :).

[murali m]

5 mins max for changeover

[crg]

Depending on your fitness levels, here are some alternatives.

1. Day 1 morning: take bike in car; Day 1 evening: return by bike

    Day 2 morning: go by bike;        Day 2 evening: return by car--bike in car

Repeat this twice a week, increase to thrice a week before switching to up and down by bike in one day

2. For whatever reason, you cannot take a car. Can safely park/store bike overnight.

    Use another mode for taking bike.

HTH

[anil s kadsur]

+1

very truly,
anil s kadsur
http://kadsur.blogspot.in/

---

From: crg <crg...@gmail.com>

Sender: bangalor...@googlegroups.com

Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2014 20:07:53 -0800 (PST)

To: <bangalor...@googlegroups.com>

Subject: [BBC] Re: Cycling to office everyday

--

[Sabarish Balagopal]

Hi Manjunath,

I started riding a bike to office last week (this is my 5th day) and I do 9+ KM one way. My friend's colleague does every day 60+ km from kanakpura somewhere to ARM/EMC, outer ring road. His story inspire me to buy a bike and start. I do sweat a lot and we do not have shower at office now. So I started wearing a banian (the white inner wear) which helps not showing the swear on shirts and I carry a deo with me. I did carry my laptop and stuff first two days and then I found I enjoy riding without carrying anything !! Maybe as others suggested, start with alternate days. 

Best regards,
Sabarish

[crg]

Look for a nearby gym with shower facility.

[anand raman]

Some more theories (theories since I havent tried them personally)

* a slower cycling pace may contorl sweating. 

* a wet towel wipe down. 

Also as far as laptops goes they have acquired the state of an undetachable gadget. Depending on your nature of work and flexibility offered in your work place there could some options

* ask for a machine for home. Some orgs may not have issues to hand an out of warranty machine 

* if it is all about emails; connect using webmail interfaces

* personal laptop with MS office suite installed may be enough 

* your work may be available on a version control system accessible from outside network. 

thanks

anand

On Fri, Feb 14, 2014 at 10:10 PM, crg <crg...@gmail.com> wrote:

Look for a nearby gym with shower facility.

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[anil s kadsur]

+1

"* a slower cycling pace may control sweating. 

* a wet towel wipe down".

On dot, both I practice regularly. In my case not towel 2 handkerchiefs....

very truly,
anil s kadsur
http://kadsur.blogspot.in/

---

From: anand raman <ara...@gmail.com>

Sender: bangalor...@googlegroups.com

Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2014 07:20:24 +0530

To: crg<crg...@gmail.com>

Cc: Bangalore Bikers Club<bangalor...@googlegroups.com>

Subject: Re: [BBC] Re: Cycling to office everyday

[Sabarish Balagopal]

Thank you Anand for the helpful hints. I did try the slow pace since I started watching other cyclists and how they were going with a steady pace and even pedaling. I was doing it wrongly, pedal hard and then rest my legs when the bike acquires some pace. Now I pedal slow and in steady pace and its definitely better. Never thought of the wet towel, sounds like a very good solution, definitely going to do that :)

Best regards,

Sabarish

[Vinay Rao]

Does anyone here cycle to work everyday on a Road Bike? I'm sitting on the fence for an upgrade from a recovering MTB to either a lighter hybrid (lots of nice used options coming up), or a still lighter road bike.

How comfortable is it riding in the drop posture with a laptop/ bag on your back, for an hour? And do the pot holes and bumpy roads hurt enough to discourage cycle use?

Cheers,

Vinay

[Blackmamba]

Our beloved leopardskyn pradeep aka tireliner pradeep does ride roadbike everyday to office and back home

[Chidambaran Subramanian]

I biked today with a backpack. It takes getting used to, not good for bad roads, MTB is way better for a commute. 

On Wed, Feb 19, 2014 at 11:00 PM, Blackmamba <mans...@gmail.com> wrote:

Our beloved leopardskyn pradeep aka tireliner pradeep does ride roadbike everyday to office and back home

[anand raman]

I do use a road bike on alternate weeks. So far have been carrying my backpack on my back. I dont usually travel with my laptop. So this may make it a bit more comfortable. Have been planning to get a rear rack to make it a bit more comfortable. I rarely ride in the drops but use the hoods and the top of the handle bar mostly. 

a

[Pradeep naidu]

Hi, i commute 50kms on road bike.. No issues at all.. U don't get any back pain. I use cleats in heavy traffic too.

But like chiddu said mtb would be better for commute, but there is a different fun and kick when you are faster than the cars and motor bikes. Enjoy roadbike...

Pradeep Naidu
www.facebook.com/leopardskyn

---

From: anand raman
Sent: ‎20-‎02-‎2014 05:20 AM
To: Chidambaran Subramanian
Cc: Blackmamba; Bangalore Bikers Club

Subject: Re: [BBC] Re: Cycling to office everyday

[sandeep shet]

Pradeep, You can be faster on MTB too :P

On Thu, Feb 20, 2014 at 8:00 AM, Pradeep naidu <pradee...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi, i commute 50kms on road bike.. No issues at all.. U don't get any back pain. I use cleats in heavy traffic too.

But like chiddu said mtb would be better for commute, but there is a different fun and kick when you are faster than the cars and motor bikes. Enjoy roadbike...

Pradeep Naidu
www.facebook.com/leopardskyn

---

From: anand raman
Sent: 20-02-2014 05:20 AM

--
Regards,
Sandeep Shet
+91 9986122862

[Ashok Kumar S]

I took my road bike today, put my office dress, lunch box, pump, blah blah blah into my laptop bag, must weight around 5kg or more. Then rode 21km instead of the shortest route of 4km, and am absolutely fine. I got an average speed of 29kmph as well.

I would say, it is absolutely no problem. In fact, I had taken bath at home, in office it just took two minutes to cool down and wipe my body before changing to the fresh cloths from my cycling shorts and T shirt.

Go for it! Absolutely fine!!! These are small things not worth worrying much.

http://www.strava.com/activities/114607704 for proof... ;-)


Thanks and regards,
Ashok

[Darshan Bildikar]

I used to commute 45 KM everyday on a roadbike with laptop and change of clothes. I did the commute on an MTB before that and I noticed that a roadbike saved me about 5 minutes one way. The only reason I kept using a roadbike was that it was more fun to ride!

Darshan

[Ram]

I started commuting on a Hybrid (Schwinn Sporterra ) and then MTB ( Trek 3700 ) and now on a road bike (Fuji Sportif 1.5). Trust me i am more comfortable on a road bike than any other bikes. I carry laptop and commute from Katriguppe to HSR Layout ( Passing Silk Board). I save a lot of time on road bike and my efficiency is increased in this.

Only thing to take care is ride easy and careful. Earlier i used to ride on footpath, broken patches but now only clear and clean roads.

Thanks

Ram

[Venkatesan Ramachandran]

I generally switch between MTB and Road bike alternate week, and road bike is more fun to ride once you are used to drop bar in traffic conditions.. 

I take my Laptop in the frame bag (dausser.com) which I was referred from this group so no load on my back.

I used to get bit of shoulder/neck stiffness/minor pain for initial few days when I used top bar and hoods rather drop bar, then some basic stretching on neck area every day helped a lot.

Cheers

Venki

[Yateesh Kumar]

Most of us do carry laptops.

I use a forclaz diosaz I bought from decathlon. Good enough to carry a 15" screen version. It also comes woth a hydration bag, rain cover. Two small pouches around waist band, top pouch for helmet(post ride).
Personally I feel happy about this one in particular.

Cheers

On 7 Feb 2014 14:45, "santosh kumar" <santosh...@gmail.com> wrote:

I'm a little curious, does anyone in this forum carry their laptop with them on the bicycle? :)

Cheers
Santosh

On Tue, Feb 4, 2014 at 12:26 AM, Amar <amarp...@gmail.com> wrote:

Start with 10KM in nearby areas over weekend and then increase to 20KM

Ride to office and return by bus then you can move up to daily commute.

I cycle 10KM one way daily from EMC-EGL

All the best

-Amar

On Tuesday, 28 January 2014 18:48:30 UTC+5:30, Manjunath wrote:

Hi guys,

Lately I have been thinking of commuting to office by my MTB (Scott). However, the distance shall be 25 kms one way, as I stay in Yelahanka and office is in EGL campus near Domlur.

Hence, I am still skeptical because of the distance.  

Anybody who is already doing similar sort of distance? Any feedback shall be motivational for me. Thanks

Regards,
Manjunath

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[vivek]

Even before I could ask my questions, I see that most of them have been answered. 

For the past couple of weeks I myself was contemplating switching from MTB to roadbike for my commute. The only hindrance so far was that I didn't want to sell off my MTB as I wanted to do some trails. But this is not happening since a year, and I doubt if I will be able to do in the near future at least as frequently as I had planned.

I am thinking of doing a trial ride by renting a roadbike for commute. Do you think its a good idea, or this is totally unnecessary?

Regards,

Vivek

[Ashok Kumar S]

What is your point of concern against a road bike?

[Vivek Kubaji]

None yet. Just not sure of the compatibility.

Regards,

Vivek

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[Ashok Kumar S]

Not clear. You mean bike fit or compatibility with our roads?

Thanks and regards,

Ashok. 

Sent from my iPhone

[Vivek Kubaji]

My compatibility with a road bike along with my backpack weighing about 8kgs.

Regards,

Vivek

[Ashok Kumar S]

My observation is that if the back pack is comfortable on an MTB with more of an upright position, it will be even more comfortable on the road bike. This what I felt. In the MTB posture, the straps will be transferring the weight to your shoulder and pulling it down. In the road bike posture, your back is not vertical and the weight is distributed across your back as well, making the pull on your shoulder less. This has been my observation. But if your riding position on the road bike is more relaxed, you may feel similar difficulty on both.

Anyways, since you will need to invest some money on buying a new one, I would advice to try out first and come out of the hesitation. Then you will happily invest more on a better road bike... :)

regards,
Ashok

[Yateesh Kumar]

On 20 Feb 2014 12:11, "Ashok Kumar S" <s.a...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> My observation is that if the back pack is comfortable on an MTB with more of an upright position, it will be even more comfortable on the road bike. This what I felt. In the MTB posture,
the straps will be transferring the weight to your shoulder and pulling it down."

Would like to differ here.  Depends on the backpack you use. If you have a good one you won't feel the weight unless it is > 4-5kg

In the road bike posture, your back is not vertical and the weight is distributed across your back as well, making the pull on your shoulder less. This has been my observation. But if your riding position on the road bike is more relaxed, you may feel similar difficulty on both.
>
> Anyways, since you will need to invest some money on buying a new one, I would advice to try out first and come out of the hesitation. Then you will happily invest more on a better road bike... :)

How about invest in a good commute backpack? May cost lesser (2-5k)
You get an added advantage of using it on all kind of rides with storage space, water bag regardless of the bike you use. 

[pradeep...@gmail.com]

I used to carry my backpack and sweat a lot (25 Km bothways), Recently I fixed a carrier fro my Montra blues and bought Bungee cords (from Decathalon) to secure my backpack on the carrier. Now I dont sweat a lot. Planning to ride to office with formals instead of carrying it in backpack. 

Regards

Pradeep Sundar 

[Vivek Kubaji]

Thanks Ashok and Yateesh, for your inputs.

Carrying my backpack on my current bike has never been a problem. Even though I feel the weight it has never been an issue. Only when I try it out once on a road bike will I get to know how comfortable that is.

Regards,

Vivek

[Ashok Kumar S]

Else go for a rack, man. Only problem is when you are on weekend rides or morning rides other than commute, you may not want that extra weight of the rack...

regards,
Ashok

[Silvesterrajpaul Josephjayapaul]

I used to go office in my hybrid bike 40 kms up and down...I won't carry laptop with me ...just I used to carry change dress that's it for me its enjoying ,,,if not going in cycle in some days that's hectic ....

[amar prusty]

Vivek,

 

MTB is an over kill for commutes unless the roads are really bad with huge craters and you are a real offroader

 

Hybrid is the true commuter and can handle some bad roads

Roadbikes are too flimsy to sustain bad roads and pathetic Bangalore traffic

 

Please sell your MTB unless you shall serously do off roading and buy a Hybrid

 

Regards

Amar

--
Amar Prusty

[Ashok Kumar S]

I don't know why you say road bikes are flimsy. :)

I have got only one flat in nearly 5k km (that too a pinch flat due to low tyre pressure) and I have hit many pot holes and rode through many broken roads and unpaved ones. Yes, you need to slow down when you see bad roads and this could be tough if lighting conditions are bad. Other than that I don't understand the  flimsy part. As per my understanding, these are designed for higher speeds and hence could not be flimsy, can you please explain a bit on that part?

Thanks and regards,

Ashok. 

Sent from my iPhone

[anil s kadsur]

"Please sell your MTB"

MTB is just a lovely bike to commute in the city, as day by day roads are becoming worst and worst....

very truly,
anil s kadsur
http://kadsur.blogspot.in/

---

From: amar prusty <amarp...@gmail.com>

Sender: bangalor...@googlegroups.com

Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2014 16:03:01 +0100

To: vivek<vivek....@gmail.com>

Cc: <bangalor...@googlegroups.com>; santosh kumar<santosh...@gmail.com>

Subject: Re: [BBC] Re: Cycling to office everyday

[Ramprashanth A N]

"Road is best to commute as roads are getting better and better as elections are fast approaching"

Sent from my Windows Phone

---

From: anil s kadsur
Sent: 21-02-2014 15:45
To: amar prusty; bangalor...@googlegroups.com; vivek
Cc: santosh kumar

[Blackmamba]

Did manjunath started to commute?

[Rahul Raj Dusa]

Roads are getting better and better ...? what after elections... ? Given the quality of the roads.

One good downpour is all I am waiting for... and old airport road stretch should get back to its original shape ! :D

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Rahul Raju Dusa

+91 9964234511

http://themeandthemine.wordpress.com/

[amar prusty]

Do not get fooled by Election road repairs thats once in 5 years :)

 

Hybrid bike is all weather anyways good election time roads or bad post rain roads

 

Completely agree with you Anil however on super Formula-1 pre election roads MTB has huge rolling resistance

--
Amar Prusty

[suman paul]

If you want best of all the worlds - go for a foldie

My latest obsession

thank you & regards

suman  

+91      9886300685

[amar prusty]

Hi Suman,

 

What foldie are you ridding and how does it compare to a full size roadie,hybrid,mtb in terms of ride,comfort,speed

 

-Amar

--
Amar Prusty

[Ashok Kumar S]

There is no comparison. I have one and is the slowest of the lot. :) only advantage is that you can fold and carry in any public transport. Better not to mention the performance. ;)

Thanks and regards,

Ashok. 

Sent from my iPhone

[suman paul]

Good question, let me try to analyse. 

Prologue 

I started riding with a basic MTB. Felt very confident about its capability of handling any surface. That time I was a recreational cyclist. Then slowly increased the riding distances. And realised that it is asking quite a lot of effort to ride it which as a newbie I was not very comfortable. So started doing some research on that how to minimise effort and maximise joy. 

Change 

After a while when I started planning for touring, realised that wherever you go within this part of the country, the terrain is going to be rolling and need to encounter climbs of different nature. So you need something which rolls relatively easier. Get rid of the knobbies. I put Geax streetrunner on my MTB. And I did my first century ride with that. So the change is - with knobbies I struggled to do a 55 km populaire and with the similar fitness I did a century ride with slick tyres. Was happy. 

Routine

Got some confidence. Started doing more cycling in and out of city with a kind of make shift hybrid but not an actual one. Felt for the city it is very useful where you don't worry much about bad roads and at the same time rolls much smoother than MRB knobbies. 

Infection

When started seeing people going on a road bike at a good speed and looked like they are breezing through, it infected me. I started looking for a road bike. And since the brevets were always there in mind, one fine morning landed up with a road bike. And riding increased. Touring. Weekend rides. Etc. Etc. Remember, I was not a commuter still. That is for various logistical reasons of-course more than anything else. 

Result 

I'm not saying because of the road bike, but somehow I attempted my first 200 brevet at Mysore and I did it. Awestrucking moment for me. Realised that for a longish ride, if your bike fit is good, then road bike is a good companion. I attempted city rides with road bike but honestly so far I have not enjoyed it may be because I'm far from getting used to with it. Not leaving the hope of mastering in that. 

Recent shift

I have been thinking about commuting all these while but somehow it was not coming through. Then finally went for a foldie which I have been eyeing for a long time. It has re-infected me deeply. And the result is stunning - I've become a commuter. Me and my wife travel together thru & fro for work. Our daily home-office-home travel distance is 70 kms. Since my wife has not picked up riding yet, and I don't like her to drive everyday, we start from home by car. Drop her to office and leave the car there itself and take out the foldie and I'm good to ride for the whole day. By the time I wrap up and come back to pick her up, I'm averaging 25 kms a day everyday for last close to a month now. If I miss a day to ride, feel some daily ritual is  missed out. Earlier I tried this routine by carrying my MTB or road bike on a carrier but it becomes so much of an effort to set up the whole process, did not encourage me much to commute by bike on a daily basis. But now the story is different. Because :

1. I can very easily carry my foldie in the car everywhere and take it out anywhere - convenient

2. Easy to ride everywhere - it feels like I'm riding a full size MTB or hybrid. 

3. Potholes, gravel, sand, wet surfaces are easy to pull out. 

4. Very convenient to park - sometime I carry it to my desk. 

5. I carry it even in hospital, mall, my official meeting places, sites - almost everywhere. 

6. Ride comfort is perfect and you can adjust it instantly if something is bothering. 

7. For city ride speed os absolutely fine. My average city speed is 20 and it handles it just fine. It can cope with any full size bike speed within city. But it felt little under speed when you are on a downhill. But thats manageable. At time I go at 25+ also easily. And its quite stable. 

Certainly I've gone overboard to explain my story to answer your question which could have been done in two sentences but felt like sharing the story of evolution of my riding. 

Remember every bike comes with a certain purpose and one should not struggle with that by countering. Its up to the particular individual, what he/ she wants. For me the Dahon Vybe 7 is working well and that is because of the reasons cited above. I've confused you enough. Take an informed decision. 

[Chidambaran Subramanian]

IMHO or IMNSHO or simply IMO,

Waiting in stop-start-go traffic in a aero position is one of the most painful things to do  in life. Yes overall the free stretches mean you save time on a road bike - but honestly i don't/wont' enjoy it. On an MTB on extremely congested road, i ride on the footpath, jump off the  pavement while riding  , and basically keep moving. 

I ride road bikes but long ones and when i can go at a good pace, not in the city commuting. I have commuted by foldie and hybrid as well, and even walked 10km as commute. But the MTB option is best. 

Regards

Chiddu

[anil s kadsur]

+1

very truly,
anil s kadsur
http://kadsur.blogspot.in/

---

From: Chidambaran Subramanian <chi...@gmail.com>

Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2014 19:23:49 +0530

To: suman paul<suma...@me.com>

Cc: amar prusty<amarp...@gmail.com>; Ramprashanth A N<2stat...@gmail.com>; anil s kadsur<anilk...@gmail.com>; bangalor...@googlegroups.com<bangalor...@googlegroups.com>; vivek<vivek....@gmail.com>; santosh kumar<santosh...@gmail.com>

[amar prusty]

Thanks Suman for bringing out clearly the value of a foldable in cross commuting with public transport BMTC-Volvo's & Metro going forward

 

-Amar

--
Amar Prusty

[Vivek Kubaji]

Hi Suman,

What you have told clearly brings out the multi-purpose utility of a foldie. I failed to understand how it is best of both worlds (MTB and Road bike).

Regards,

Vivek

[Ashok Kumar S]

Hi Chiddu,

Are you serious about the waiting in aero pose part? Be it my MTB or roadie, I need to come out from the saddle when I'm stopped and I'll be standing until I start moving again. I suppose that should be the case with a right bike fit. How do you manage an aero position when the bike is stopped?

Also, I usually take the pedestrian path and cross the signals than waiting. And of course when I use the footpath, I just walk with the bike instead of riding there. 

Thanks and regards,

Ashok. 

Sent from my iPhone

[suman paul]

Well Vivek, the perspective I rendered is purely from what I felt about different bikes. Now if the logic is, hybrid is a combination of MTB & Road bike to a certain extent then foldie adds up to some more usability to that and makes it more versatile for the user. But again choice of bike is very very personalised affair based on the pure need of a particular individual. 

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[Anil Kadsur]

Suman paul,

awesome buddy....good show....especially the below para, am impressed!

"Our daily home-office-home travel distance is 70 kms. Since my wife has not picked up riding yet, and I don't like her to drive everyday, we start from home by car. Drop her to office and leave the car there itself and take out the foldie and I'm good to ride for the whole day. By the time I wrap up and come back to pick her up, I'm averaging 25 kms a day everyday for last close to a month now."

anil s kadsur

http://kadsur.blogspot.in/

[suman paul]

Thanks Anil

But the bad news is, I had a crash today 😄

I was riding from home to near HSR layout BDA complex for a meeting. Crossed silk board junction and was heading towards the BDA junction to take right turn. A dude was driving a car and slowed down next to me and he was trying to figure out which brand cycle I was riding. Once he got his answer he started shouting 'Dahon' 'Dahon' addressing to his co-passengers and it was so loud that it caught my attention and already he had created a pile up just by slowing down. Then he accelerated and a tempo driver came diagonally just couple of inches close to me to tell something which I did not understand and when he was overtaking me the tempo's rear end hit my handlebar - because tempo is narrower at the front and that idiot could not judge it. Thus I fell. On my left side. Gloves were on to protect my palms. Jeans protected my knees with a very minor bruise on left knee. Slight bruise on left arm below elbow.  My half sleeve shirt got torn out totally just above the left side pocket. I fell on my left ribs. So due to heavy body weight, it got an impact and the inner structure is shaken and paining if there is any jerk. Need to watch and if required then will do a X-ray. Behind there was a nano and a motor bike. They could miraculously stop just in time otherwise I would have become a photo on wall by now. The lady in the nano was very nice, she stopped the car, came out, gave me some water to drink and the bike guy also was quite nice, he stopped and talked to me and was there till I left. That tempo fellow fled away. My leather messenger bag strapped across got some cut. Cycle I guess is fine. Immediately I rushed to BDA complex and bought a new t-shirt and discarded my lovely shirt and went for the meeting - was 5 minutes late. 

Could have been anything but did not get so unlucky this time. 

Ohhhh commuting in the city - what do I say - it just needs to be felt 😄

[Sabarish Balagopal]

Sorry to hear about the crash and gods grace nothing bad happened. I was very much worried about the traffic and erratic drivers on road first two days and then I thought the best is to forget about it and ride safely sticking to the extreme left side of the road as much as possible minding my own business. I guess this crash is unavoidable for everyone with so many idiots on the road. I could be just waiting for my turn :) 

Regards,
Sabarish 

[Vivek Kubaji]

Sorry to hear that Suman. Good that nothing major happened. Get appropriate treatment for it. You just have to learn to be cautious not just of your mistakes but others too.

Regards,

Vivek

[Ram]

Sorry to hear about the accident Suman. I work near HSR BDA complex. Kindly let me know if you need any assistance, Tried calling you but went unanswered.

Thanks
Ram

[Basker Ramachandran]

Please take care buddy. Like your style of the post even though you have had a fall. Reminded of the ceat ad: "The road is full of idiots"

[Anil Kadsur]

Suman,

so sorry to hear, how are you now, did every thing fine?

Yes commuting is a challenge at times....

anil s kadsur

http://kadsur.blogspot.in/

[amar prusty]

Recover superfast Suman

 

Please take care and be super alert on the road.

 

Cycling is the lowest in the traffic food chain just above pedestrain easy prey for big vehicles.

 

-Amar

--
Amar Prusty

[Ashok Kumar S]

Traffic food chain??? Hmmm.... :)

Thanks and regards,

Ashok. 

Sent from my iPhone

[amar prusty]

Ashok,

 

Here is the Indian Traffic food chain = Heavy Vehicles>BMTC buses>Swaraj Mazda>Tempo Traveller>Sumo Taxi -SUV>Indica Taxi>Sedans>Nano>Bikes>Super XL-Moped>Cycles>Pedestrain :)

 

Common sense is to give way to higher ups in the chain to save your life

 

However Cyclists have to fear the bigger & faster vehicles to prevent being crushed and also care about the Pedestrians

Cheers

Amar

--
Amar Prusty

[Mak.cts]

Hi Suman 

Great to see that smily at end of our mail, that's the spirit! Get well buddy !  

Meanwhile iam a too a daily pedal commuter and can totally understand your situation. 

The roads are full of irresponsible drivers but nice to know that there are a few good people like the nano and the motor bike in your narrative.bless them for they could stop by and spend some time to Give u a hand. 

Iam sure u will recover bolder and stronger! Be watchful and enjoy the city ride :-)

Mahesh 

Sent from my iPad

[suman paul]

Xray & checkup done. Doc said no fracture, some rubbing between ribs and muscles. Will heal in 3 weeks time. I can get back to saddle once feel comfortable. 😄 🚲🚲🚲

Thank you all for the good wishes. 

[Sanath Kumar S D]

Good to know that Suman .. . .take good rest and come back soon

Warm regards,

Sanath Kumar SD

Regards,

Sanath
+ 91 988 019 4896